Bulgarian cucumber recipe

Bulgarian Pickled Cucumbers: A Delicious Recipe to Preserve Summer in Jars

Who doesn't love a jar of crunchy, flavorful pickled cucumbers? This Bulgarian cucumber recipe is not only a fantastic way to preserve vegetables but also a real treat that you can enjoy all year round. These pickles are perfect to serve alongside meat, in sandwiches, or simply as an appetizer. Let's get started!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Fermentation time: 2 days
Total time: 2 days and 30 minutes
Servings: 5 jars of 800 g

Ingredients

- 1.5 kg of cucumbers (make sure they are fresh, vibrantly green, and blemish-free)
- 2 liters of water
- 5 tablespoons of coarse salt (sea salt or kosher salt is ideal)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (for a balanced taste)
- 6 tablespoons of vinegar (preferably white wine vinegar)
- 1 carrot (for a touch of sweetness and color)
- 2 onions (for flavor)
- 5 cloves of garlic (for an intense taste)
- Mustard seeds (about 1 tablespoon)
- Peppercorns (about 1 tablespoon)
- 5 bay leaves (for a subtle aroma)
- Thyme (fresh or dried, as preferred)
- Dill (fresh or dried, for its distinctive fragrance)
- Celery (dried, about 1 tablespoon, for a rich flavor)
- Lovage (dried, 1 tablespoon, for its unique aroma)

Necessary Utensils

- 5 jars of 800 g (well-washed and sterilized)
- A large pot for boiling water
- A ladle
- A wooden spoon
- Measuring cups

Recipe Steps

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by washing the cucumbers under cold running water to remove any impurities. Ensure they are well-dried before placing them in the jars. Slice the carrot and onion into thin rounds, and you can leave the garlic whole or cut in halves, according to your preference.

2. Arranging the jars: In each jar, layer the cucumbers, adding 2-3 slices of onion, a clove of garlic, and a few slices of carrot. Continue adding cucumbers until the jar is full, leaving a little space for the liquid.

3. Adding the spices: Sprinkle some mustard seeds, peppercorns, a bay leaf, a bit of thyme, dill, celery, and lovage between the layers of cucumbers. These spices will give your pickles a rich and complex flavor.

4. Preparing the brine: In a large pot, add the 2 liters of water, salt, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, stirring to ensure the salt and sugar dissolve completely. Once the mixture starts boiling, let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

5. Filling the jars: Using a ladle, carefully pour the hot brine over the cucumbers, filling the jars to the top. Make sure all the ingredients are completely covered by the liquid.

6. Sealing the jars: Place the lids on the jars, but do not tighten them completely. Leave them slightly open to allow steam to escape. Place the jars in a warm spot in the kitchen for 2 days to ferment.

7. Completing the process: After 48 hours, tighten the lids well and move the jars to a cool, dark place away from direct sunlight, such as a pantry or cupboard. Your pickled cucumbers will be ready to enjoy in about a week, but the longer they sit, the more intense the flavor will become.

Helpful Tips

- It's essential to choose fresh cucumbers, as they are the key to crunchy pickles. Look for small, uniform cucumbers that are firm to the touch.
- You can experiment with spices, adding hot peppers or even horseradish for an extra kick.
- If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can adjust the amount of sugar.
- Remember that pickles are a healthy option, rich in probiotics that aid digestion.

Frequently Asked Questions

- How long can I keep pickled cucumbers?
If stored properly, they can last up to a year.

- Can other vegetables be used?
Yes, you can add carrots, cauliflower, or onions alongside cucumbers for a mixed pickle.

- How can I check if the jars are sealed correctly?
Press the lid; if it doesn't give, the jar is sealed properly.

Delicious Combinations

Bulgarian pickled cucumbers are delicious alongside grilled meats, salads, or sandwiches. Additionally, a cold beer or a dry white wine can perfectly complement a meal where they are the star.

Try this pickled cucumber recipe and add a touch of freshness and flavor to every meal! It's a wonderful way to keep summer on your table even in the colder days. Bon appétit!

 Ingredients: 1.5 kg cucumbers, 2 liters of water, 5 tablespoons of coarse salt, 4 tablespoons of sugar, 6 tablespoons of vinegar, 1 carrot, 2 onions, 5 cloves of garlic, mustard seeds, peppercorns, 5 bay leaves, thyme, dill, celery, lovage.

 Tags:  pickled cucumbers